Best things to do in Galway

Discover the city according to locals. Find the best things to do, places to eat, and get priceless advice from the people who live here.

“The Museum is ranked the 11th most popular free tourist attraction in Ireland. Galway City Museum has three floors of exciting exhibitions engaging visitors in the archaeology, history and sea science of Galway. The attraction is one of Galway’s most popular cultural hotspots and welcomes over 200,000 visitors per year. The Museum has been a recipient of TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence for five years running and the 2016 Expert’s Choice award, ranking it among the ‘highest rated attractions in Galway’. Most recently we were awarded Full Accreditation status from the Heritage Council’s Museum Standards Programme for Ireland.”

“Galway is the beating heart of Ireland's west coast. Enjoy seafood by the Atlantic, next stop New York! The streets are full of charming shops and the best street performers in Ireland and thats saying a lot! If you take the early train or bus you could catch the ferry from Salthill to the wonderful Aran Mor to travel 200 years back in time. Enjoy lobster pulled up that morning and smell the freshest air in Europe! Local Tip 1: The aer arran light planes are surprisingly cheap to take over and it is quite a thrilling experience. Local tip 2: Visit at Christmas when tourists are light on the ground, and the shops are full of charming Christmas cheer. ”

“One of two of the only remaining arches of the original city wall constructed in the Middle Ages. Beautiful area of the city with many restaurants, the city museum, the old Claddagh pier and many, many swans. Stunning spot to relax in the city right next to the roaring River Corrib. ”

“Typical old Irish “teach taibhairne” pub and music venue with a stunning range of vintage Irish memorabilia. Also the pub in Ed Sheeran’s music video for the sing “Galway Girl”. Just note: it Does not serve food. ”

“This 1820s building was originally as a courthouse and then the city's Town Hall. In the 1950s the building was converted into a cinema and was where I had my first date !! In 1996 it reopened as the new Theatre and the opening event was the world premiere of the Beauty Queen of Leenane by Martin McDonagh.”

“Downstairs there is a very good standard deli which serves soup and sandwiches and coffee, perfect for when your on the go there is also a shop which sells lots of Galway and Irish produce. Upstairs there is a restaurant which has a fantastic window view of Shop St and most of all has delicious food.”